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College football: Preseason AP Top 25 projections for 2023

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, center, celebrates a touchdown against BYU with teammates Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.Football Oregon Byu Football Byu At Oregon
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, center, celebrates a touchdown against BYU with teammates Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.Football Oregon Byu Football Byu At Oregon /

Every single year, Utah seems to be overlooked by just about everyone. This season is no different. The Utes are coming off two straight Pac-12 titles and they’re bringing back Cameron Rising. They should be the conference title favorites again, right? I mean, they did just beat USC twice last year. Well, the media will have Kyle Whittingham’s team fighting for respect again around No. 15.

This is the one team that I think may take a step back in the top 15 this season. Tennessee had an incredible 2022 season and won the Orange Bowl over Clemson, but Hendon Hooker is gone and I have a hard time buying into the Joe Milton hype. Still, people are high on Josh Heupel and the Volunteers. Some will probably even vote them in as a top-10 team.

Am I as high on Texas as everyone else? No, but I do think the offense could be a problem for the rest of the Big 12 this season, especially with Arch Manning coming in to challenge Quinn Ewers. But my biggest caveat regarding the Longhorns’ Big 12 title hopes would be the fact that Steve Sarkisian hasn’t shown that he’s anything better than average yet.

Before the 2022 season, many were uncertain about the future of Oregon under Dan Lanning because he opted to go with Bo Nix at quarterback after he struggled at Auburn. It turns out, that was a great decision as Nix was one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He’s back and so is an electric offense and a defense loaded with talent. Watch out, USC, Utah, and Washington.

Cade Klubnik took over for DJ Uiagalelei in 2022 and it felt like the offense got a jolt of life right away. He did have his struggles, but he proved that he could probably do a better job leading the offense and he has a lot of people believing in Clemson again. Talent will never be an issue with Clemson but having the right guy under center is critical. I believe the Tigers have that.

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